By Mayor Daniel T. Rodrick
In a strategic move to fulfill the state’s newest round of affordable housing mandates without
contributing to further overdevelopment, I am proud to announce that my administration is
pursuing a plan to purchase affordable housing deed restrictions on 470 existing apartments.
These units will be preserved as affordable for an additional 20 to 30 years, enabling the
municipality to meet the state’s demand for affordable housing while simultaneously maintaining
the suburban feel of our community.
Under New Jersey’s Mount Laurel Doctrine, municipalities are mandated to provide affordable
housing proportional to their population size. Toms River’s obligation for the fourth round of the
Doctrine totals 670 affordable units. Recent court decisions have indicated that municipalities of
Toms River’s size should not be required to build more than 1,000 units, allowing Toms River to
take advantage of credits from previous construction. The former administration’s approval of
1,285 units has given Toms River a 200-unit credit, significantly easing its current obligation. By
combining this credit with the purchase of affordable housing deed restriction on 470 pre-
existing apartments, we will meet the state’s mandate without any new construction. It’s
important to note that this plan will not cost the taxpayers any money. The deed restrictions will
be purchased with money from the affordable housing trust fund, not tax dollars.
Historically, affordable housing projects have been built with 20% of the units being affordable
and 80% built as market-rate apartments. If Toms River had adhered to this standard, the
required 670 units would result in the construction of an additional 3,350 apartments, a scenario
the current administration is keen to avoid, especially after witnessing explosive growth and
high-density development during the previous administration.
Our creative approach ensures that we meet the state’s mandate responsibly without
compromising the quality of life for our residents. Toms River residents do not want to live in a
city of high-rise apartments, and this plan allows us to protect our community while fulfilling the
state’s mandate.
In the past decade, Toms River, particularly the North Dover section, experienced explosive
growth in development, with over 5,000 high-density units being built, contributing to growing
concerns about overdevelopment and its effects on the community. My administration remains
committed to a more sustainable and thoughtful approach, focusing on existing structures rather
than new construction.
The deadline for municipalities to submit their housing plans was at the beginning of June,
following the recent release of the housing obligations. With this proactive approach, Toms
River aims to lead by example, showcasing that it is possible to address affordable housing
needs while protecting our opens spaces and the character of our community. I am proud of the
strides we have made in addressing affordable housing requirements while also safeguarding
our community’s future.
